ApplyTexas essays have a recommended word limit of 500-750 words per essay, though the system technically allows up to 120 lines of text without a strict word count cutoff. This flexibility can be confusing for applicants, but most admissions counselors agree that staying within the recommended range demonstrates your ability to write concisely while fully addressing each prompt.

This guide covers everything you need to know about ApplyTexas essay requirements, including specific expectations for UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas public universities.

Quick Reference: ApplyTexas Essay Requirements by School

Understanding ApplyTexas Word Limits

Unlike the Common Application, which enforces a strict 650-word limit, ApplyTexas uses a line-based system that allows approximately 120 lines per essay. This translates to roughly 1,000-1,200 words maximum, but that does not mean you should use all available space.

Why 500-750 words is recommended:

• Admissions officers read thousands of essays and appreciate concise writing
• This length allows you to develop ideas without rambling
• Staying within range shows you can follow implicit guidelines
• Essays exceeding 800 words often contain unnecessary repetition

The 120-line technical limit:

The ApplyTexas system will accept essays up to 120 lines, but this is a technical maximum, not a target. Writing to the maximum suggests you cannot edit effectively or prioritize information. Admissions committees notice when applicants ignore recommended lengths.

Character count considerations:

While there is no character limit, formatting matters. Single-spaced text with standard fonts typically yields 10-12 words per line. If your essay approaches 100 lines, you have exceeded the recommended length and should revise.

ApplyTexas Essay Topics Explained

ApplyTexas offers four essay topics (A, B, C, and D), though not all schools require all topics. Understanding each prompt helps you select the best fit for your experiences and the schools on your list.

Topic A: Personal Story

Prompt: “Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?”

This is the most commonly required essay across Texas public universities. Topic A asks for a personal narrative that reveals your character, resilience, and growth. Strong responses typically:

• Focus on a specific experience rather than listing multiple events
• Show transformation or learning rather than simply describing circumstances
• Connect past experiences to future goals
• Demonstrate self-awareness and reflection

Ideal length: 650-750 words. This topic benefits from detailed storytelling.

Topic B: External Contribution

Prompt: “Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.”

Topic B focuses on who you are beyond academics and test scores. This prompt invites discussion of:

• Hobbies, interests, or passions that shape your identity
• Cultural background or family traditions
• Skills or talents you have developed
• Values or beliefs that guide your decisions

Ideal length: 500-650 words. Topic B works well as a concise character portrait.

Topic C: Academic Interest

Prompt: “You’ve got a ticket in your hand—where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?”

This metaphorical prompt asks about your academic and career aspirations. Despite its creative framing, admissions officers want to understand:

• Your intended major and why you chose it
• Specific programs or opportunities at the target school
• How your past experiences connect to future goals
• What you hope to contribute to your field

Ideal length: 600-700 words. Balance creativity with concrete goals.

Topic D: Art and Architecture

Prompt: “Personal interaction with objects, images, and spaces can be powerful. What have you learned from these experiences?”

Topic D is primarily for applicants to art, architecture, and design programs. This essay should demonstrate:

• Visual literacy and aesthetic awareness
• Personal connection to creative work
• Understanding of design principles
• Passion for your chosen creative field

Ideal length: 500-700 words. Let specific examples drive your narrative.

UT Austin Essay Requirements

The University of Texas at Austin has the most comprehensive essay requirements among ApplyTexas schools. As the flagship university, UT Austin uses essays heavily in holistic admissions decisions.

Required Essays

Topic A (Required for all applicants): Every UT Austin applicant must submit Topic A regardless of major. This 500-750 word essay is your primary personal statement.

One additional topic (Required): Choose Topic B or Topic C based on which better showcases your strengths. Pre-professional programs often prefer Topic C, while liberal arts applicants may find Topic B more suitable.

Short Answer Questions

UT Austin requires three short answer responses of 250-300 words each:

1. Leadership experience: Describe your leadership role in a school, job, community, or family setting.

2. Academic achievement: Share an educational experience that has been particularly meaningful.

3. Career goals: Explain how your major connects to your intended career path.

Short answer strategy:

• Each response should be distinct—avoid repeating information from your main essays
• 250-300 words means 2-3 focused paragraphs
• Use specific examples rather than general statements
• Connect experiences to what you will bring to UT Austin

Honors and Special Programs

Some UT Austin programs require additional essays:

• Plan II Honors: Two additional essays (500-750 words each)
• Business Honors: Additional essay on leadership and innovation
• Engineering Honors: Technical interest statement
• Liberal Arts Honors: Additional analytical essay

Check your specific program requirements before submitting.

Texas A&M Essay Requirements

Texas A&M University requires more essays than most ApplyTexas schools, reflecting their holistic review process and emphasis on community values.

Required Essays

Topic A (Required): Your personal story essay is mandatory for all Texas A&M applicants.

Topic B (Required): Texas A&M specifically requires Topic B, the identity and interests essay. This helps admissions understand who you are beyond academics.

Encouraged Essays

Topic C (Strongly encouraged): While technically optional, Texas A&M admissions officers recommend submitting Topic C. The “ticket in your hand” prompt lets you discuss your academic goals and fit with A&M specifically.

Word Limit Strategy for A&M

With multiple required essays, word count management becomes important:

• Topic A: Aim for 700-750 words to fully develop your personal narrative
• Topic B: 500-600 words is sufficient for a focused identity portrait
• Topic C: If included, 600-700 words demonstrates genuine interest

Total word count: Expect to write 1,800-2,000 words across all Texas A&M essays.

Other Texas Public Universities

While UT Austin and Texas A&M have the most extensive requirements, other Texas schools also use ApplyTexas essays for admissions decisions.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech requires Topic A and may request additional essays for competitive programs like the Honors College. The recommended 500-750 words applies, though Texas Tech tends to value concise writing.

University of Houston

UH requires Topic A and may include school-specific prompts for certain programs. The Honors College has additional essay requirements. Check your specific college within UH for complete requirements.

UT Dallas

Topic A is required, with optional additional essays encouraged for honors programs and merit scholarship consideration. UT Dallas values academic achievement essays highly.

Texas State University

Topic A or B is required, with some majors specifying which topic to submit. The Honors College requires additional writing samples.

UT San Antonio

Topic A is required, with Topic B optional but encouraged for borderline applicants or those seeking scholarships.

Writing Tips for ApplyTexas Essays

Crafting effective ApplyTexas essays requires attention to both content and structure. These strategies help you write compelling responses within the recommended word limits.

Start with an Outline

Before writing, outline your main points for each essay. This prevents rambling and helps you stay within word limits. A typical structure:

• Opening hook: 50-75 words
• Context and background: 100-150 words
• Main narrative or argument: 250-350 words
• Reflection and growth: 100-150 words
• Conclusion and forward look: 50-75 words

Use Specific Details

Vague essays feel longer than they are because readers struggle to engage. Specific details create vivid writing that achieves more in fewer words:

Weak: “I worked hard to improve my grades.”

Strong: “After failing my first chemistry exam, I met with Dr. Martinez every Thursday until I earned an A on the final.”

Edit Ruthlessly

Most first drafts exceed recommended word counts. Effective editing strategies:

• Remove adverbs and replace weak verbs with strong ones
• Eliminate throat-clearing phrases like “I believe that” or “In my opinion”
• Cut redundant sentences that repeat earlier points
• Combine short, choppy sentences into complex ones

Vary Your Topics

If submitting multiple essays, ensure each reveals different aspects of your personality. Do not repeat stories or themes across Topics A, B, and C. Admissions officers read all your essays together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many ApplyTexas applicants make preventable errors that weaken their applications. Avoid these common pitfalls.

Exceeding Recommended Length

Writing 900+ words when 750 is recommended suggests poor judgment. Admissions officers may stop reading or form negative impressions before finishing your essay.

Writing Too Little

Essays under 400 words appear rushed or suggest you lack meaningful experiences to share. Even if your story is simple, develop it fully with reflection and detail.

Ignoring School-Specific Requirements

Each Texas university has different requirements. Submitting only Topic A when Texas A&M requires Topic B demonstrates carelessness or lack of research.

Generic Essays

Essays that could apply to any university fail to demonstrate genuine interest. Mention specific programs, professors, or opportunities when discussing your target schools.

Waiting Until the Deadline

Quality essays require multiple drafts. Starting early allows time for feedback, revision, and proofreading. Rushed essays contain errors and lack depth.

Neglecting the Short Answers

For UT Austin, short answers are as important as main essays. Treating them as afterthoughts wastes valuable space to demonstrate your qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I exceed the ApplyTexas word limit?

The system will accept essays up to 120 lines, so you will not be prevented from submitting. However, exceeding 750 words may hurt your application by suggesting poor editing skills or inability to follow guidelines. Admissions officers notice when applicants ignore recommendations.

Can I use the same essay for multiple Texas schools?

Yes, your ApplyTexas essays are submitted to all schools on your application. However, ensure your essay works for all your target schools. Mentioning UT Austin specifically in an essay also going to Texas A&M appears sloppy.

Do Texas schools prefer longer or shorter essays?

Most admissions counselors prefer essays at the higher end of the recommended range (700-750 words) for Topic A, as this allows full development of your story. However, a well-written 550-word essay beats a padded 750-word essay every time.

Should I submit Topic C if it is optional?

For competitive applicants or borderline admissions cases, submitting Topic C demonstrates additional interest and effort. Strong applicants with multiple essays give admissions committees more reasons to admit them.

How do ApplyTexas essays differ from Common App essays?

ApplyTexas essays have more flexible word limits (500-750 recommended vs. 650 strict), different prompts, and vary by school. The Common App uses one personal statement for all schools, while ApplyTexas allows schools to require different topic combinations.

When is the ApplyTexas essay deadline?

Deadlines vary by school and application type. UT Austin priority deadline is typically December 1, with regular deadline in early January. Texas A&M has similar deadlines. Check each school’s admissions website for current dates.

Key Takeaways

• ApplyTexas recommends 500-750 words per essay, though the system allows up to 120 lines
• UT Austin requires Topic A, one additional topic, and three short answers (250-300 words each)
• Texas A&M requires both Topic A and Topic B, with Topic C strongly encouraged
• Staying within recommended word limits demonstrates concise writing and attention to guidelines
• Each essay should reveal different aspects of your personality and experiences
• Start early to allow time for multiple drafts and thorough editing

Conclusion

ApplyTexas essays give you flexibility that the Common App does not, but this freedom requires careful judgment. Staying within the 500-750 word recommendation while fully developing your stories shows admissions officers you can write effectively under implicit constraints.

Understanding each school’s specific requirements is crucial. UT Austin’s combination of essays and short answers demands approximately 2,500 words total, while Texas A&M’s three-topic expectation requires similar investment. Plan accordingly and give yourself time to write, revise, and polish each response.

Try our free letter counter → to track your ApplyTexas essay word counts and ensure you stay within recommended limits while maximizing your impact.